Adrenaline floods my veins as I charge forward, focused only on my goal. Bullets whizz past, but none will stop me. I have a job to do.
I reach the SUV and wrench open the door. Yara stares at me wide-eyed, shaking with fear and relief.
"I've got you, you're safe," I say gently.
Her small hand grips mine like a lifeline as I scoop her into my arms.
Kane lies down covering fire as we sprint for safety, the promise of a new sunrise guiding our escape.
I cradle Yara close as we race towards the tree line, the sounds of gunfire and shouts fading behind us.
Her small body trembles against mine, her breath coming in panicked gasps.
"Shhh, just keep your eyes on me," I murmur. "We're almost there."
I can see the clearing up ahead where our extraction team waits.
Kane and Cole flank us on either side, their weapons raised, ready to eliminate any threat.
We break through the tree cover and I nearly collapse in relief at the sight of the idling chopper. The pilot spots us and begins spinning up the rotors.
I hurry Yara into the helicopter's cabin, shielding her body with mine until we're safely inside.
Kane and Cole pile in after us and we lift off just as our pursuers emerge from the trees, firing futilely at the rising aircraft.
Yara buries her face in my shoulder, finally releasing the tears she's bravely held back until now.
I stroke her hair, my heart swelling with gratitude and purpose.
"Let it out, little one. You're safe. You'll be back with your mama soon."
She's endured a nightmare, but we've snatched her back from the brink. I vow then that no matter what comes next, I will keep her—and Alina —far from harm's reach. This is only the beginning.
Alina
I pace the safehouse floor, weariness and worry etched in every line of my body. I've been waiting for hours since Morello left on his dangerous mission to intercept Yara's transport. Endless scenarios of everything that could go wrong plague my thoughts.
Finally, I hear the distant drone of helicopter blades. I rush outside just as the black speck grows larger, its shape becoming distinct as it approaches.
Relief floods my veins at the sight, followed quickly by a wave of apprehension. Just because someone is approaching doesn't mean it's Yara.
And even if she is in there, she could be injured, or… I can't bear to think the worst…
The chopper touches down and the doors slide open.
Part of me wants to cover my eyes and have someone provide a recap when it's all over, but my motherly instincts overwhelm me.
Instead, I put my selfish fears aside and run toward the aircraft.
Morello emerges first, Yara bundled protectively in his muscular arms.
My breath catches at the sight of her, disheveled but unharmed.
I surge forward as Morello sets Yara down, sweeping her into a fierce embrace.
"You're safe, you're here. My sweet Yara," I murmur, tears spilling down my cheeks.
Yara clings to me, her thin body wracked with sobs. Thank god her wound was superficial, patched up by Gerald's men and then checked on by the FBI medic in the rescue chopper.